The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
4.0(64K)google
2.4(4.3K)yelp
Youth-FriendlyNight ViewNight-FriendlyIndoorOutdoorCity LandmarkThrillingLuxuryPerformance
Overview
The Strat (formerly the Stratosphere) is a hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It includes a 1,149-foot-tall (350 m) observation tower, the tallest in the United States. It is also the second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeAscending the tower during dusk in summer or autumn is highly recommended. It offers a perfect vantage point to overlook the blending neon lights of both the Strip and Downtown, while catching a close-up view of thrilling high-altitude amusement rides.
Getting ThereLocated at the northernmost point of the Strip (2000 S Las Vegas Blvd). Take the 24/7 Deuce bus and get off at The STRAT stop. Drivers can utilize the massive on-site multi-level paid indoor parking garage structure.
Travel Tips
- The rooftop thrill rides enforce zero-tolerance loose-item rules; all phones, coins, and loose eyewear must be secured in on-site electronic lockers prior to entering the staging lanes.
- Park in the multi-story secure garage off Main St on the resort's west side; avoid poorly lit alleyways on S Las Vegas Blvd due to elevated nocturnal property crime indices in this zone.
- Standard SkyPod access exclusions apply to thrill rides; purchasing an all-inclusive Unlimited Ride Pass at the ground-level concourse avoids a 50% price markup assessed at the upper observation tiers.
Reviews
Positive
- Ascending the 1149-foot observation tower offers a breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic view of Vegas and the open desert! The visual impact is matchless, a true iconic landmark.
- The ultimate paradise for adrenaline junkies! The tower roof features the SkyJump bungee experience along with insane thrill rides dangling over the edge, offering wild excitement.
- Compared to the hyper-expensive core resorts, room rates here are highly affordable, offering high value. The casino floor is vast with clear signs and clean restrooms.
- Driving access is easy with a massive dedicated self-parking garage under the resort. The Top of the World rotating restaurant offers elite fine dining and service, well worth the cost.
Heads up
- The location sits on the gritty northern edge of the Strip near a sketchier neighborhood. Street walking at night feels messy with vagrants, hurting the safety vibe.
- The cash traps are deep. Tower admission is pricey, and mandatory nightly resort fees are steep. High-altitude thrill rides cost extra, making secondary spending balloon fast.
- Due to its older age, some standard rooms and elevators feel dated. Room insulation isn't perfect, allowing late-night corridor noise and casino hums to disrupt sleep.
- Sunset and weekend nights bring agonizingly long, chaotic lines for security and elevators. Lacking efficient crowd control, waiting in cramped indoor hallways feels oppressive.